Music

Outer Journey:

Throughout this trip we have seen countless musical talents. From Jazz to blues, and everything in between we have seen it all here. The most interesting part of this city is the diversity of the music that is played. When walking down the street the first thing you notice in New Orleans in the music coming from every corner of the city. This town lives and breathes music. Some types of music that we heard include Jazz, blues, folk, big band, swing, pop, and even a little rock and rock on an acoustic guitar. There was literally every type of music that a person could imagine. When thinking of New Orleans usually the first thing that comes to mind is that this is the birthplace of jazz music. I saw two different styles of Jazz while being down here. The first was a traditional jazz that played more like the style of jazz that was played with a style that was like how the original jazz was played. There was not that much of this type of jazz in the street, but there were many different places in the city that premiered this traditional Jazz. The next was non-traditional Jazz or New Jazz and this was played everywhere. From street corner to street corner, it seemed that everyone was playing this style of music. Occasionally you would come up on someone playing some blues, or even some folksier music, but Jazz definitely dominated the streets of New Orleans.  Some people play very strange instruments. There was one man in particular that played an interesting looking Sitar. A sitar is originally a musical instrument with roots in India, but the style of music that traditional Indian music played was similar to Jazz. This man’s instrument sounds like a Sitar, but the interesting thing about it was that the bottom looked like a big banjo, and the strings curved around the long, think, neck like a spiral stair case. People showed all sorts of creativity, not only how they played their instruments, but also how they interacted with the people passing by. Some people were not the best musicians, but the made up for it by making the crowds laugh. I noticed that some people were actually better musicians, but would draw less of a crowd if they could interact with the people watching. With all of these different unique musical experience, the best one that I had was in a little record store outside the main tourist area. On my free day I decided to go see a part of the city that most people don’t go. I stumbled across this record store, and there was a folk band playing. They were incredible. I couldn’t believe I was seeing a band as good as this one in a small record store. I didn’t catch their name, damnit, but I did take a small video of the experience. This experience was hands down the best musical experience that I had while I was in New Orleans.

Inner Journey:

Music spoke to me in a profound way during this trip. I have often thought about pursuing music, but always made excuses why I shouldn’t. I come from a long line of musicians, dating back 5 generations. I have played music since I was five years old, and music to me is so much more than notes and words. While getting ready to come to New Orleans I thought about bring my guitar, unfortunately I thought the trip would be too hard on my instrument. I couldn’t have been more wrong. When I arrived in the city music was spewing from every crack of the city. I could hardly handle not having my instrument. It was a constant struggle to find someone with a guitar and play, if only for a couple minutes. This experience really made me realize how important music is to me. I got a tattoo when I was 18 of something my great uncle always used to say to me. He would say, “Music is not what you do, it’s who you are.” This kept running over in my head while I was in New Orleans. I found myself singing, whistling, and dancing everywhere I went. I couldn’t contain myself. When walking with the group it was everything I could do to keep my eyes on the group, while they were walking away, as I watched a band on the street. I was drawn to the music. I can’t explain the feeling of being surrounded by other people, that shared the same passion for music as I do. This trip made me realize that music has been the biggest source of happiness in my life. Without music, I really don’t know where I would be. Music is like a drug to me, if I don’t play for a couple days I start too grave it. This city spoke to me, and really opened my eyes to what is important. I could make excuses my whole life as to why I never did anything with music, but this experience showed me that would be a mistake; something I would regret greatly. In New Orleans the music is great, but I firmly believe that the reason the city is as beautiful as it is, and the people are so friendly is directly correlated to the vast array of music showered throughout the city. Music makes people happy. I have yet to meet someone that doesn’t like some type of music. The beautiful thing about music is, as bob Marley said, “when it hits you, you feel no pain” could not be more true. Music is an escape for many people. This is why I have resolved to really hit the ground running when I got back and start writing again. I strive to be a giver. Someone who never turns their back on someone in need, this is why I am becoming a nurse. As a nurse I can heal someone’s physical body, but as a musician I can heal someone’s emotional, and spiritual being. Without this experience of New Orleans, it may have been years before I had this revelation. I am so greatful to have had the chance to participate on this trip, and look forward to the day that I can return with my guitar.